A BURGLAR alarm sounding in the Royal Mail Sorting Office forced Wellington’s ‘national moment of reflection’ in memory of Queen Elizabeth II to be moved about 100 yards along High Street.

The alarm, which has randomly been triggered over the past few weeks, meant the planned event in the town council’s public space next to the sorting office would have been disturbed throughout.

Wellington minute’s silence
Wellington minute’s silence (Tindle)

Wellington Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow, who led the event on the eve of the Queen’s funeral with the town’s Royal British Legion standard bearer Bob Trickey, decided instead to move to the entrance to Lancer Court.

A crowd of more than 50 local residents also attended to collectively pay their respects as darkness fell on the town at 8 pm and a minute’s silence was observed.

Elsewhere in the town, many residents stood on their front doorsteps to observe the silent tribute at home, and fire and rescue service crews lined up outside Wellington Fire Station.